Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation is seeking entries for the annual Junior Miss Cherokee pageant to be held Saturday, August 17, in conjunction with the Cherokee National Holiday.

Contestants must be between the ages of 13 and 17. They will be judged on Cherokee History, Traditional Dress, Personality and Poise, Cultural Presentation, Scholastic Achievement and Essay. The essay will be written the day of the pageant and contestants will be given three topics to choose from.

A copy of the contestant's Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card must accompany the registration form. Parent's CDIB card will not be accepted. The contestant must also submit a copy of their latest report card or transcript and a current photograph.

Registration forms are available at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex. Registration fee is $5 and must be paid by cash or money order. Personal checks will not be accepted. Entry forms must be completed and postmarked or hand-delivered no later than August 9, 2002 by 5:00 p.m. If mailing, send to: Reba Bruner, c/o Jr. Miss Cherokee Pageant Coordinator, P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74465.

For more information, contact Reba Bruner, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2397) or Nita Wilson phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2865). The toll free number is 1-800-256-0671.

The Cherokee Nation celebrates the Cherokee National Holiday every year over Labor Day weekend. The theme of this year's celebration is "Building One Fire." This is the 50th anniversary of the Cherokee National Holiday, which is expected to bring more than 80,000 visitors and Cherokees to Tahlequah. The annual holiday commemorates the signing of the Cherokee Nation Constitution of September. 6, 1839.

For more information on the Cherokee National Holiday contact Lou Slagle, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext. 2544) or call toll free, 1-800-256-0671 (ext. 2544), and visit the Cherokee Nation website.